Side loading hearse mechanism



'May 26, 1942- M. A. CROSBY ET A1. 2,284,187

SIDE LOADING HEARSE MECHANISM Filed April 14, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet l 54 J Inventors :l Mmm amos DAVID E BENCH May 26, 1942. M. A. cRosBY ETAL SIDE LOADING HEARSE MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 14, 1941 Inventors Mmm A. CRosY Attorno May 26, l942- M. A. CROSBY ET Al. 2,284,187

SIDE LOADING HEARSE\MECHNISM I Filed April 14, 1941 3 Sheecs-Sheerl 3 Invmiof mmiktaoam EN H A A, P

I3V b1 I ttorneus Patented ,-Ma'y 26,v 1942 SIDE LOADING HEARSE MECHANISM Melvin A. Crosby and David E. Bench, Dayton, l

Ohio, assignors to Commonwealth Engineering Corporation, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application April 14,

21 Claims.

'I'his invention relates to a hearse of the side delivery type wherein mechanism is provided for moving the casket supporting table longitudinally within the body of the hearse and concomitantly rotating the same to extend the table through the side walls of the hearse. 'I'his invention particularly relates to hydraulic mechanism for accomplishing this purpose.

It is an object of the invention to provide a hydraulic mechanism which will rotate a casket carrying table while the same is* being moved longitudinally within the hearse body.

It is another object of the invention to provide a hydraulic mechanism which rotates a casket supporting means within the hearse a predetermined increment of rotation for each increment of longitudinal travel of the table.

It is another object of the invention to provide a casket supporting table forv a side delivery hearse having a rotatable axis which is moved longitudinally of the hearse with concomitant rotation, the longitudinal movement and the rotation being in a predetermined ratio which remains constant throughout the entire movement of the table.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a mechanical screw for moving the rotatable axis of a casket supporting table longitudinally of a hearse with hydraulic means for rotating the axis and to synchronize the operations to produce a predetermined path of-travel of the table.

It is another object of the invention to provide hydraulic means for moving the rotatable axis of a casket carrying table longitudinally with respect the body of a hearse and to provide hydraulic means for rotating the axis, which hydraulic means are synchronized to produce a predetermined increment of rotation for each increment of longitudinal travel of the axis.

It is another object of the invention to provide a hydraulic mechanism for actuating a casket supporting device in accordance with the foregoing object wherein the rate of ow to one of the hydraulic means is at a diierent rate than to the other.

It is another object of the invention to provide a hydraulic Iactuating system for moving a casket supporting means from a longitudinal to a transverse position with respect a hearse Abody which system has means for multiplying the movement of the hydraulic'actuating mechanism.

It is another object of the invention to pro- 4vide an electrical control system for controlling the direction oi flow of uid in the hydraulic 1941, Serial N0. 388,50'vl actuating mechanism for accomplishing the foregoing objects.

- Further objects and advantages will become apparentv from the drawings and from the fol- 5 lowing description. Y

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional plan viewof a hearse showing the normal position of a casket carrying table therein and the sweep thereof when shifted tothe transverse position.

Figure 2 is an electrical diagram of the controls for actuating the mechanism which shifts the position of the casket carrying table.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the hearse showing combined mechanical and hydraulic mechanism for imparting a predetermined motion to the table.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along. line 4 4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of a hearse showing a fully hydraulic mechanism for imparting a predetermined course of travel of a casket carrying table.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along 25 line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a bottom view of a hearse showing a modified arrangement of a hydraulic mechanism for actuating the casket carrying table.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8-of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectionalA View taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7.

Figure 10 isa side elevational view of a hy- 'draulic mechanism taken along line I0--I0 of Figure 7.

Figure 11 is a bottom view of a hearse showing a modied arrangement of a hydraulic Amechanism for actuating the casket carrying table of the hearse.

40' The mechanism of` this invention is applied to a'hearse of the side delivery type wherein the hearse body IIlv is provided with a rear access door II land with front access doors I2 for use of the driver of the vehicle. The doors I3 and I4 are pivotallycarried at I5 and I6 respectively to open a side wall of the hearse and permit discharge of the casket carrying table I'l from within the body of the hearse. The drivers seat I8 is movable toward the forward end of the hearse to provide an increased area for swinging the forward end of the table I'I when extending the same through the side wall. The casket carrying table Il is supported upon the oor I9 of the hearse by the usual roller supports sothat 55 the main load of carrying the casket is supported by the table and the rollers provided thereunder.

To extend the table I1 through a side wall of the hearse I a pivot post 20 is secured to the underside of the casket carrying table I1'. The post 2I| extends through a longitudinal slot 2| provided in the floor of the hearse and is adapted to engage a driving mechanism provided under the iloor I9. f

With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the pivot post 25 has a shank 22 which slideswithin the slot 2|, which slot 2| is reinforced by the U-shaped metal member 23 which provides means for more easily sliding the pivot post 20 within the slot 2|.

The shank 22 extends below the door I9 of the hearse and engages a mechanism assembly comprising a lead screw nut and a hydraulically acverse rotation of the motor 48 causes reverse direction of flow delivery from the pump 48. With the valve 5| set in a predetermined position concomitant rotation of the lead screw 35 and operation of the pump 48 causes the operating mechanism 30 to reciprocate within the slot while tuated piston. The shank 22 has an extending portion 24 which is reduced in diameter thereby providing a shoulder 25 which engages the upper surface of the operating mechanism assembly. A second reduced diameter portion 26 extends from the portion 24 and carries a gear segment 21 which is suitably carried upon the shank portion 26 and retained thereon by means, of a nut 28. A spacing collar 26 is positioned between the gear segment 21 and the lower side of the operating assembly to position the gear segment with respect to the same.

The operating assembly 30 consists of the horizontal wall 3| through which the shank 24 extends. An enlarged body portion 32 is provided adjacent the horizontal wall 3| and has a threaded bore 33 extending therethrough. The bore 33 cooperates with the lead screw 35 which is suitably driven for rotation within the threaded bore 33 for moving the lead screw nut- 32 longitudinally with respect the slot 2|.

I'he assembly 30 is also provided with an enlarged portion 36 having a bore 31. which forms a hydraulic cylinder. A piston 38 cooperates with the bore 31 and is carried upon a plungerlrod 39 which extends through opposite ends of the cylinder bore 31. The ends of the cylinder 31 are suitably closed by the end walls 40 which are provided with the usual packing glands to prevent loss of uid from within the hydraulic cylinder 31.

The plunger rod 39 is carried within the extending arms 4| of a U-shaped bracket 42. The bracket 42 is provided with a rack 43 which is in meshing relationship with the gear segment 21 carried upon the pivot post 20. The hydraulic cylinder 31 is provided with fluid inlet and out ports 44 and 45 to permitiluid to be conducted to either end of the cylinder 31 for actuating -the piston 38 longitudinally within the cylinder 31 and thus reciprocate the plunger 39. Reciprocation of the plunger 39 moves the gear rack' 43 to rotate the pinion 21 whereby the pivot post 20 is rotated.'

The lead screw 35 is driven by an electric motor 46 through means of a speed reducing mechanism 41. The electric motor 46 also drives a constant delivery fluid pump 48 which pump is provided with fluid conduits 49 and 5|).

The pump 48 is adapted to deliver hydraulic ud to the cylinder 31 through a flow control valve 5|. The iiow control valve 5| determines the direction of flow-ofiluid to and from the cylinder 31. The valve 5| is connected to the pump 48 by means of the conduits 49l and 50 and is connected to the cylinder 31 by means of the conduits 52 and 53. A shift rod 54 is provided hydraulic fluid is delivered to the cylinder 31 to rotate the post 2|| during such reciprocation.

Since the valve 5I is set in the predetermined position the direction of rotation of the post 20 will be selected since the valve determines which side of the cylinder 31 shall be the delivery side for the hydraulic fluid. In order to reverse the direction of ow to the cylinder 31 the valve 5| is shifted to direct the delivery iiow of iiuid to the opposite side of the cylinder 31. 'I'he valve 5|.thus controls the side of the hearse through which the table 2| will be extended when the pivot post 2li is reciprocated within the slot 2|.

The volume of fluid delivered to the cylinder 31 from the constant delivery pump 48 is predetermined since pump 48 and the screw 35 are driven by the same electric ,motor 48 the speeds of rotation will remain constant with respect to one another. With the output delivery of the pump v of the casket carrying table when extending the same through the side of the hearse or during retraction thereof.

lThe sweep of the edges of the table I1 is indicated in Figure 1. The point of location of the pivot post l20 has been preselected to produce a sweep of the edges of the table I1 which will use the minimum area.. lThe location of the pivot post 20 with respect the table I1 is toward the rear end thereof and is positioned from the rear end a distance between one-sixth and oneseventh the total length of the table. 'I'he exact position of the pivot postvdepends somewhat upon the clearance provided by the hearse III and the degree to which the table I1 is to be extended. With the pivot post 20 positioned adjacent the rear end of the table I1 between onesixth and one-seventhof the total length of the table from the end thereof, and with a constant longitudinal motion of the post accompanied with for the .valve 5I for shifting the position OI the 75 constant rotation, which longitudinal movement and rotation is in a predetermined ratio, the minimum sweep of the table I1 is provided.

The electrical control system for actuating the heretofore described mechanism is disclosed in Figure 2 and consists of the reversible electric motor 46 having an armature 54a and a ileld 55. 'I'he actuating arm 54 of the valve 5I is carried between the armatures 55 and 51 which are actuated by the electric coils 58 and 59 respectively. Energization ot the coil 58 or 59 causes movement of its cooperating armature to shift the rod 54 and thereby actuate the valve mechanism of the valve 5| The current ilow to the electric vswitches and 1I.

2,284,187 motor 46 is controlled by-meansof'the'relays 60 and 6I, the relay 60 being actuated by the arma.-

ture 62 while the relay 6I is actuated by the ar- Electric coils 64 and 65 actuate the mature 63. armatures 62 and 63 respectively when energized by closing of the proper electric circuit. The relay 60 controls the outward movement of the v:s lishe's'a holding circuit for the coil 64, from the battery 1., the lines 89, 90, 9|, 92, 93, 84, 33,

the limit switch 69 tothe battery. 'At the same time the blades 16, 11' 'and' 18 establish current; ow to the amature 54a and the field 55 of the electric motor 46.

table I1 while the relay 6| controls the inward or retracting movement of the table I1.

Adjacent-each of the doors I8 and I4 o1' the hearse there is positioned a pair of'push button switches of whichA the push button switches 66 control the outward movement of the table I1 while the push button switches 61 controlthe inward movement of the table I1.V The switches 66 are arranged in parallel circuit relation which is also the same circuit condition of the switches G14 so that regardless of whether the door I3 or I4 is open the relays 60 and 6I will be actuated by the corresponding operation of the switches 66 and 61.

Limit switches 68 and 69 are actuated by the doors I3 and I4 respectively as are also the limit The limit switch 12 is positioned adjacent the forward end of the slot 2| to be opened by engagement of the operating mechanism 30 when in the forward position, while the When the door I4 was opened the limit switch 1I was closed whereby circuit is then capable of being established to the coil 59. Since the vswitches 1I and 69 close simultaneously electric circuit is established through the coil 59 fromthe battery 14 through the lines 88,.94,'9'5, the switch 1|, the line 96, the coil 5.9, lines 91, 98., 99, |00, the switch 69 and return to the battery. The establishment of this circuit upon opening the door I4 shifts the actuating rod 54 ofthe valve 5I so that the valve 5I is in the the pump 48. The electric motor will continue to limit switch 13 is positioned adjacent the rear end of the slot 2l and is opened by the AoperatingV mechanism when in the retracted position. The battery 14 supplies current to the electrical system.

I'he relay 60 is provided with the control blades 15, 16, 11 and 18, the contact blade 15 providing the holding circuit for the electric coil 64 while the blades 16, 11 and 18 control the direction of ow of current to the electric motor 48. The blade 18 controls flow of current to the armature 54 while the blades 16 and 11 control the` ow of current to the ileld 55. The relay 6I is provided with the contact blades 19, 80, 8| and 82, the blade 19 providing a holding circuit for the electric coil 65 while the blades- The blade 82 controls drive the apparatus until the mechanism 30 engages the limit switch 12 at which time it will be opened to break circuit to the relay 64 and thus deenergize the motor 46.

When the turret is'to be retracted to within the body of the hearse the door I4 is still open so thatthe valve 5| remains in the position as set for the forward motion of the table I1. At this time there is no further actuation of the switches 69 and 1I so that the circuit initially established through these -switches remains during the retraction movement of the table I1. I

The push button switch 61 is moved to close f circuit through its cooperating contacts so that electric circuit is then established to the coil 65 of the relay 6| since the limit switch 13 is now closed andthe limit switch 12 is open. The circlosed. The blades 80 and 8| control theflow The electrical diagram of Figure 2 is shown with the various mechanisms in their normal position with both doors I3 and I4 closed andwith the casket carrying table in the retracted position. In such position the limit switch 13 is open whereby current ilow to the coil 65 cannot be established under any circumstance.- If the door I4 should be opened for extending the table I1 therethrough the limit switch 69 will be closed and since the limit switch 12 is closed current ilow can be established to the coil 62 upon actua--l tion of the push button 66, the ow being establis'hcd through the switch 69, the lines 83, 84, the

limit switch 12, the' coil 64, lines 85, 86, push button switch 66, line 81 and line 88 to the battery. The coil 64 will thus beenergized to close the contact blades of the relay A against 'their cooperating contacts. I'he blade 15 then estabcuit establishing current flow to the coil is from the battery 14 through the switch 69, the lines 83, IUI, the switch'13, the coil 65, lines |02. |03, |04, the switch 61, lines 81, 88 to return to the battery. Energization of the relay 6I thus closes the blades 19, 80, 8| and 82 upon their cooperating contacts so that blade 19 now establishes a holding circuit for the coil-65 from the battery 14 through the switch 69, lines 83, |0I, the switch 13, the coil 65, line |02, blade 19, lines 90 and 89 to return to battery. The blade 82 establishes circuit to the armature 54 of the electric motor 46 in the same direction of current ow as had been establishedy by the blade v18 of the relay 60. The blades and 8| establish circuit to the field 55 but in the reversedirection to that which had been establishedby the blades 16 and 11 of the relay 60. The motor 46 is thus reversed in its direction of rotation whereby the lead screw 35 and the pump 48 are reversed in their direction of rotation thus moving the operating assembly 30 toward the rear through the conduit 53 -to the cylinder 31. table I1 will thus follow the same path of travel as previously but in the reverse direction.

Since the plunger 39 extends from both ends of the cylinder 31 the displacement of the cylinder 31 is equal on both sides of the piston 38. It is therefore possible to merely deliver uid from one side to the other of the piston 38 for moving `the saine with respect the cylinder 31. If, for

any reason, there should be leakage in the hydraulic system a fluid reservoir |05 is connected to the pump 48 through a conduit |06 and a check valve |01. At any time the system requires iluid it can be drawn from the reservoir |05 and admitted into the system when the pump is operating in the direction of operation wherein the conduit 49 is the suction line for the pump In Figure 5 there is shown a modified arrange-` ment wherein the longitudinal travel of the pivot post for the table I1 is operated by means o f a hydraulic mechanism. In this modification certain of the elements are identical with the elements heretofore described in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive. 'I'he like elements will therefore be referred to by like numerals but with the suilix a. In this modication the, pivot post 20a carries the gear segment 21a which is in engagement with the rack 43a carried by the plunger 39a of the hydraulic cylinder 31a.

'I'he cylinder 31a is provided with the piston 38a and with the inlet and outlet conduits 52a and 53a respectively. The conduits 62a and 53a communicate with the flow control valve 5|a which is actuated by the control rod 54a. The operation of the hydraulic cylinder 31a in rotating the pivot post 20a is identical with the operation of the device heretofore described.

The lead screw of the heretofore described device is replaced with a mechanism actuated by a hydraulic cylinderfor reciprocating the pivot Y post 20a within the slot 2|. This mechanism consists of a hydraulic cylinder ||0 suitably secured to the floor I9 of the hearse and has a piston |I| for reciprocation therein. A piston is carried upon a piston rod |I2 which extends through both ends of the cylinder IIO. A v

suitable packing gland is provided around the piston rod= ||2 at each end of the cylinder ||0 to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid therefrom. Fluid conduits ||3 and I|4 are connected to opposite ends of the cylinder ||0 for conducting uid to and from said cylinder. Opposite ends of the piston rodl I|2 carry freely rotatable pulley members ||5 and IIB. A cable ||1 extends around the pulley members IIB and IIS, the ends of the cable being secured to a boss I I8 provided on the operating mechanism 30a. The cable II1 is securely fastened to the floor I9 of the hearse by means of a damping bracket H9.

The arrangement of the pulleys and cable with the hydraulic mechanism provides an apparatus whereby the reciprocable stroke of the piston I can be multiplied in order to move the pivot post 20a double the amount of the movement of the piston I.

To supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinders 31a and ||0, fluid pumps |20 and |2| respectively are provided. 'Ihe pumps |20 and |2| deliver iluid to the hydraulic cylinders at different rates of flow, and which rates are proportioned to produce concomitant rotation of the pivot post 20a with longitudinal movement thereof, and which rotation is in determined increments of rotation for each increment of longitudinal travel. The pumps |20 and 2| are preferably driven by a common source of power, such as the electric motor 46a. The electric motor 46a is reversible in the same manner as heretofore described with respect the motor of Figure 3 whereby the direction of flow of hydraulic uid can be reversed to the cylinders 31a and |I0 to reverse the direction of motion of the casket carrying table I1.

As heretofore described the valve 5|a is for the purpose of selecting the side of the hearse through which the table will be extended. When the valve Sla has been shifted to extend the table through a selected side of the hearse it will not be again shifted until the table is retracted to within the hearse and only then if the direction of extension of the table is to be altered. l

Conduits |22 and |23 connect the pump |20 with the valve ila. The conduits |24 and |20 connect the pump I2| with the cylinder IIO. It is not necessary to reverse the direction of flow in the conduits |24 and |25 except by means of the pump |2I since there is only one motion involved in the operation of the piston rod I|2.

Since the piston rods 38a and ||2 extend through their respective cylinders 31a and ||0 the fluid pumps |20 and |2I respectively can deliver iiuid from one side of the cylinder to the opposite side thereof with no need for make-up fluid. However, if there should be leakage in either of the hydraulic systems fluid can be drawn into the system from a uid storage tank |05a, which is connected to the conduits |22 and |24 by means of the conduits |20 and |21 through the check valves |20 and |20 respectively. This arrangement permits fluid to be drawn into the hydraulic systems `at any time the conduits |22 and |24 are on the suction side of the pumps |20 and |2| respectively.

I'he pivot post 20a is of a slightly modified construction from that described in Figure 4. However, the essential functioning o f the post is identical with that described in Figure 4. In the modiiled'structure disclosed in Figure 6 the shank 22a of the post 20a is journaled in a bearing |30 which is preferably provided with a square shank |3| positioned in the slot 2|. The square shank |3I prevents rotation of the vbearing |30 and the cylinder 31a carried thereby. The reduced shank 24a of the post 20a carries the gear segment 21a which engages the rack 43a in the manner heretofore described. A plate |32 is secured to the square shank I3| of the bearing |30 by suitable means and provides means for engaging the upper surface of the U-shaped guide track 23a.

The electrical system heretofore described in Figure 2 will apply to the operation of the device described in Figure 5 since the same elements are required to .be controlled and in the same manner as set forth in the description of Figure 2, namely, the electric motor 46a is required to be reversed in its directionof rotation to reverse the flow of hydraulic fluid to the cylinders 31a and ||0 to thereby concomitantly rotate and reciprocate the pivot post with respect the slot 2|. Also, the valve 5Ia requires shifting to direct the flow of iiuid to the cylinder 31a in accordance with the side of the hearse through which the table I1 is to be extended. The limit switches 12a and 13a. control deenergization of the electric motor 40a when the pivot post 20a reaches the limit of its travel with respect the slot 2|. It may thus be seen that the electrical system can be applied directly to the hydraulic system disclosed in Figure 5.

To obtain a predetermined path of travel of the table I1 when -extending or retracting the same the fluid delivery from the pump |20 has a definite ratio with respect the fluid delivered from the pump |20 so that for each increment of longitudinal movement imparted to the post 20a by the pump |2| through the cylinder ||0 be the same as that with regard Figure 1 wherein the position of the pivot post 20a upon the table I1 has been pre-selected to produce a motion by the table I1 which involves a minimum area through which the sweep of the table will extend.

In Figures 7 to 10 inclusive there is shown a hydraulic system for imparting motion to the table as heretofore described with regard Figure. 1 by means of a pair of hydraulic cylinders actuating a pair of cables. In this arrangement hydraulic cylinders |35 and |36 are secured t'o the oor I9 of the hearse and are arranged parallel lwithrespect each other and with respect for their respective cylinders I 35 or |36. The pistons |31 and |38 of the respective cylinders can thus be reciprocated therein merely by changing the direction of delivery of uid from the slot 2| provided in the floor I9. l'I'he hydraulic cylinderl |35 is provided with a piston |31 while the cylinder |36 is provided with a piston |38. Plungers or piston rods |39 and |40 are carried by the pistons |31 and |38 respectively and protrude from opposite'ends of the cylinders |35 and |36 respectively.

, The piston rod |39 carries the pulleys |4| and |42 at opposite ends thereof which are -freely I rotatable upon the pivot axes |43 and |44 respectively. The piston rod |40 carries the pulleys |45 and |46 at opposite ends thereof which are freely rotatable upon their axes |41 and |48 respectively.

The pivot post 20hV carried by the table I1 .has a shank portion 22h extending through the oor I9 which carries a double sheaved pulley |49 having the sheaves |49a, and |49b.

A cable |58 is attached to the cylinder |35 by a clamp |5|, the cable extending over the pulley |42 and around the pulley |49 on the pivot post 22b in the sheave |49b, the cable continuing around the pulley |46 and being attached at the opposite end thereof to the cylinder |36 by means of the clamp |52. The cable is prevented from rotation with.. respect the pulley |49 since it is secured thereto by means of the clamp |64. A cable is secured to the cylinder |35 by means of a clamp |53 the cable extending around the pu1ley.|4| and the pulley |49 in the sheav |49a and then continuing around the pulley |45 and having the end thereof secured to the cylinder |36 by means of the clamp |54. The cable |55 is prevented from rotating with respect the pulley |49 since it is secured thereto by means of the clamp |65.

The electric motor 46h drives the constant delivery pumps |56 and |51 through a suitable speed reducing mechanism |58. The speed reducing mechanism is arranged to drive one of the pumps at a different rate of speed than the other sothat the delivery from the pumps will be at diil'erent rated volume ow. The pump 56 is connected to .opposite ends of the cylinder |35 by means of the conduits |59 and |60 while conduits' I6|,. |62 can be the delivery conduits the Apumps |56 and |51 to their respective cylinders.

If the pumps |56 and |51 deliver iluid to both cylinders |35 and 36 at the same rate the pistons |31 and |38 will move in parallel within their respective cylinders so that a straight reciprocatory motion will be transmitted through the vpulley |49 to the pivot post 20h. `However, as

heretofore described, the delivery to the cylinders |35 and |36 is atl slightly different rates so that a yrotative motion will be imparted to the pivot post 20h through the pulley |49 since one -of the pistons will advance at a lgreater rate than the other tending to move its corresponding cable a greater distance than the other cable thereby causing the rotative movement of the pulley |49 and the pivot post 20h.. The degree of rotative movement with respect each increment of longitudinal travel is pre-determined and pre-calculated by. controlling the difference in the ow of iluid from the pumps |56 and |51.

To permit the table I1 to be extended through either side of thehearse I0 it is necessary that the rates of iiow shall be shifted between the cylinders |35 and |36. The speed reducing mechanism |58 is capable of performing this function since there is provided the shifting lever |63 which is capable of shifting themechanisn in Aa manner to transfer the higher speed rotation to either of the pumps |56 or |51 in accordance with the position of the lever |63. Such speed reducing mechanisms and means for shifting the speed control thereof are well known in the arts and further description and disclosure is not deemed necessary.

Theelectrical control system disclosed in Figure 2 will operate the mechanism disclosed in Figure 7 in the same manner as heretofore de- .shifted in the manner described with regard Figure `2 and the lever |63 of the shiftable speed reducing mechanism being actuated in the same manner as the lever 54 described in the operation of the system of Figure 2.

In Figure 11 there is shown another modified arrangement of hydraulic actuating device wherein the plunger rods directly engage 'the pivot post for the table to reciprocate and rotate the same. In this arrangement hydraulic cylinders |65 and- |66 are pivotally mounted to a bracket |61 by means of the pivots |68 and |69. The bracket 61 is secured to the under side of the oor I9 by means of the bolts |10. The pistons |1| and |12 are provided inthe cylinders |65 and |66 respectively and are carried on the ends 4of the plunger rods |13 land |14 respectively.

The pivot post 20c carries a T-shaped bar the stern of the T-bar |15 being securedto pivot post 20c, while opposite ends of the cross bar of the T-bar |15 are pivotally secured to the rods |13 and |14 by means ofthe pivot pins |16 and I 11 respectively. The T-bar |15 is thus actuated directly by the plunger rods |13 and |14.

- The flow of hydraulic uid to the hydraulic cylinders |65 15, the

and |66 is controlled by meansv of the ilow control valves |18 and |19. The.

-tuated by the electrical wiring in Figure 2 with slight blades n, u

valve |18 has conduits |88 and |8| connected thereto which conduits also connect to opposite ends of the cylinder |88.V The valve |19 has conduits |82 and |88 connected thereto which also connect to opposite ends of the cylinder |88. A constant delivery fluid pump |84 delivers iluid through the conduit |85 to the valve |18. A suction conduit |88 connects the opposite side of the pump |84 with a iluid reservoir |81. The valve |18 has conduits |88 the same to the suction return conduit |88.

A constant delivery iluid pump |98 delivers fluid through a conduit |9| to the valve |19 and has a suction conduit |92 which connects with the reservoir |81. The valve |19 has conduits |88 connecting the same with the suction return conduit |92 for the pump |98.

The pumps |84 and |98 are driven by anelectric motor |98 through a speed reducing mechanism |98. The speed reducing mechanism |98 is adapted to drive one of the pumps |84, |98 at a speed which causes the pump to deliver more fluid than the other. Such an arrangement causes one of the pistons |1|, |12 to advance in its respective cylinder at a greater rate than the other so that when fluid is concomitantly delivered to the cylinders |85 and |88 the pivot post 28o will be imparted a rotary motion by the difference in the rates of movement of the piston -rods |18 and |14. Since the piston rods move at diilerent rates the T-bar |18 will be rotated thus causing rotation of the pivot post 28o. The difference in the rate of delivery of the pumps |84 and |98 produces the same result as de scribed with regard Figures and '1 so that the same type of movement is impartedto the table |1 as heretofore disclosed with regardto previous iigures.

The electric motor |95 of the apparatus of Figure 11 is a unidirectional motor to cause the pumps |84 and |98 to always deliver through the same conduit, namely, conduits |88 and |8| respectively. This arrangement is provided since the plunger rods |18 and |14 do not extend through the cylinders |88 and |88 so that'a differential area is pro 'ded on opposite sides of the pistons |1| and |12 making it necessary to constantly supply tluid to the system when the pistons are actuated in one direction of their reciprocation. Thus, to control the forward and retraction motion of the pivot post 28c the valves |18 and |18 are shifted in order to alter the direction of ilow of cylinders l|88 and |88 in accordance with the direction of reciprocation 'desired for the pivot post 28o. y

To selectl the direction of rotation of the table |1 and thus select the side of the hearsethrough which the table will extend the speed reducing mechanism |88 is provided with a controllever |81 for shifting the higher speed of rotation of the pumpmechanisms between the two pumps |84 and |88.

'I'he hydraulic system of Figure 11 can be acsystem disclosed modifications. Theessential modifications required of the wiring circuit of Figure 2 consists merely of the circuits connected to the relays 88 and 8|, and particularly to the blades 18, 11 and 18 of relay 88 and and 82 of the relay 8|. Since the system of Figure 11 has a unidirectional motor |88 it is not necessary to use the relays 88 and 8| for reversing current flow therethrough. Thus,

the blade 18 of the relay 88 and the blade 88 of and |89l connecting nected in circuit hydraulic fluid to the respective valves 288e are provided the relay 8| can control the circuit to an ordinary unidirectional motor. In order to shift the valves |18 and |19 solenoids |98 and |88a are provided on one end of the control rods |99 and |99a for while the solenoids 288 and on the opposite ends of the respective control rods. Energization of the solenoid |98'can shiftv the valves |18 and |18 to direct llow of fluid to the left and of the cylinders |85 and |68 while the solenoids 288 and 288e when energized will shift the valves |18, |18 to direct the ilow of fluid to the right and of the cylinders |85v and |88. |98a, may thus be connected in circuit relation with the blades 11 and 18 of the relay 88 which controls the outward movement of thel table |1 while the solenoids 288 and 288a can be conrelation with the blades 8| and 82 of the relay 8| which relay controls the retraction motion of the table |1. Since it is still necessary to control the proportionate flow of the cylinders |85 and |88 the shiftable speed reducing mechanisms requires that it be shifted to transfer the higher speed of output between the pum The lever 84 of the mechanism of Figure 2 can thus be used to shift the lever |91 of the ,speed reducing mechanism |88. Withthese slight modiiications the electric system disclosed in Figure 2 sufiices in complete automatic operation of the hydraulic system disclosed in Figure 1l so that the system will then function in the same manner as prefluid to .opposite ends of the engagement viously described with regard Figure 2.

Having thus fully described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

i. In a hearse, means for supporting a casket and independent hydraulic means having difierent power output and operating in a predetermined ratio for rotating said support a determined angular increment for each increment of longitudinal travel.

2. In a'hearse, means for supporting a casket, a single power source, and independent means driven by said power source in a predetermined power output ratio for concomitantly rotating said support and moving th same longitudinally cf the hearse. l

3. In a hearse, means for supporting a casket, a single power source, and independent means driven by said power source in a predetermined power output ratiofor concomitantly rotating lsaid support and moving the same longitudinally of the hearse, one of said means being a hydraulic means.

4. In a hearse of tbe side delivery type. a table adapted to be supported upon the floor of the hearse, a pivot for said table, a screw in threaded with said pivot for moving said pivot longitudinally of said hearse, power means for rotating said screw, a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to said pivot for rotating the same, and means driven by said power means for supplying uid to said motor at a determined delivery rate which is proportionedto the speed of rotation of said screw for rotating said pivot a determined angular increment for each increment of longitudinal travel thereof.

5. In a side loading hearse, a platform; a pivot for said platform, hydraulic means for moving said pivot longitudinally of said hearse, hydraulic means for rotating said pivot, both of said hydraulic means acting upon said pivot con- The solenoids |88 and.

a proportioned ratio to rotate said pivot at a constant rate proportioned to the longitudinal travel of said pivot, for rotating said pivot a determined angular increment for each increment of longitudinal travel.

6. The combination for a sidev loading hearse of a platform, a hydraulic motor for moving said platform longitudinally of saidI hearse, a hydraulic -motcr for rotating said plati'orm,` and means for delivering fluid to said last mentioned motor at a dinerent rate than thel first menv tioned motor to rotate the platform at a constant rate having a predetermined ratio to equal increments of longitudinal travel of the rotating axis.

7. In combination in a side delivery hearse, means for supportinga casket, a rotatable screw drivingly engaging said supporting means for moving the same longitudinally of the hearse, a

hydraulic motor-drivingly connected to said supporting means for rotating the same, and means for supplying fluid to said motor at a predetermined uid delivery rate proportioned to the speed of rotation of said screw for rotating said supporting means at a constant rate proportioned to the longitudinal travel of said supporting means for rotating said supporting means a determined angular increment for each increment of longitudinal travel thereof.

8. In combination in a side delivery hearse,

means for supporting a casket, a rotatable screw i reversing the direction of rotation of said screw and the direction of flow of said fluid for advancing and retracting said supporting means, and means for regulating the direction of flow of uid to said motor to select the side of the hearse through which the supporting means extends.

9. In combination in a side delivery hearse, means for supporting a casket, a rotatable screw drivingly engaging said 'supporting means for moving the same longitudinally of the hearse, a hydraulic motor drivingly connected to-said supporting means for rotating the same, and means for supplying uid to said motor at a predetermined fluid delivery rate proportioned to the speed of rotation of said screw for rotating said supportingmeans at a constant rate proportioned to the longitudinal travel of said supporting means for rotating said supporting means a determined angular increment foreach increment of longitudinal travel thereof, and means actuated by the opening of one of the side'entry doors of the hearse for selecting the direction of flow of fluid to said motor to determine the side of the hearse through which the supporting means extends.

10. In a hearse vof the side delivery type, means for supporting a casket having a pivot post, a

pair of .hydraulic cylinders, a plunger rodex'- tending through each of said cylinders, each rod -carrying a piston for cooperation with its re-` spective cylinder, pulley -means on Voposite ends of said rods, pulleymeans on said pivot post,

cable means extending from said cylinders around said pulley means on said rods and said pulley means on said pivot post, and means for delivering hydraulic uid to said cylinders for moving one of said pistons at a greater rate than the other, whereby said pivot post is moved lont gitudinally and coneomitantly rotated.

11. ln a hearse o1' the side delivery type, means for supporting a casket having a pivot post, a pair of hydraulic cylinders, a plunger rod extending through each of said cylinders, each rod carrying a piston for cooperation with its respective cylinder, pulley means on opposite ends of said rods, pulley means on said pivot post, cable means extending from said cylinders around said pulley means von said rods and said pulley means on said pivot post, means for delivering hydraulic uid to said cylinders for moving one of said pistons at a greater rate than the other, whereby said pivot post is moved longitudinally and coneomitantly rotated, and means for shifting nuid now between said cylinders for causing either piston to move more rapidly than the other. K

12. In a side delivery hearse means for carrying a casket having a pivot post, gear means carried by said post, a gear rack in operative association with said gear means, hydraulic means for actuating said rack, a hydraulic cylinder, plunger means extending from said cylinder having pulley means on opposite ends thereof and carrying a piston within said cylinder for actuation of said plunger means, cable means extending around said pulley means and connected to said pivot post, and means for delivering hydraulic fluid to both of said hydraulic means.

13. In a side delivery hearse means for carrying a casket having a pivot post, gear means carriedvby said post, a gear rack in operative association .with said gear means, hydraulic means for actuating said rack, a hydraulic cylinder, plunger means extending from said cylinder having pulley means on opposite ends thereof and carrying a piston within said cylinder for actuation of said plunger means, cable means extending varound said pulley means and connected to said pivot post, and means for delivering hydraulic fluid to both of saidhydraulic means but at different rates of ow whereby said first nientioned hydraulic means rotates said pivot post concomitant with longitudinal movement thereof caused by said second mentioned hydraulic means.

14. In a side delivery hearse means for carrying a casket having a pivot post, gear means carried by said post,` a gear rack in operative assoeemitant with longitudinali movement thereof caused by said second mentioned hydraulic means, and means for shifting the direction of ow of iluid to-said 'rst mentioned hydraulic means.

from said cylinders. carrying pistons on the end thereof, the opposite ends of said plungers being pivotally connected to said pivot post, and means for delivering iluid to said cylinders to cause one of said pistons to advance more rapidly than the other, whereby said pivot post is moved longitudinally and concomitantly rotated.

16. A side delivery hearse including means for supporting a casket having a pivot post, a pair of hydraulic cylinders,-plunger means extending from-said `cylinders carrying pistons `on the end supporting a casket havinga pivot post, a pair of hydraulic cylinders, plunger means extending from said cylinders carrying pistons on the end thereof, the opposite ends of said plungers being pivotally connected to said pivot post, means for delivering iluid to said cylinders to cause one of said pistons to advance more rapidly than the other, whereby said pivot post is moved longitudinally and concomitantly rotated, valve means for shifting the direction of flow of fluid between opposite ends of said cylinders, and means for shifting the flow of fluid between said cylinders to cause either of said pistons to advance more rapidly than the other.

18. A side delivery hearse including means for supporting a casket having a pivot post, a pair of hydraulic cylinders, plunger means extending from said cylinders carrying pistons on the end thereof, the opposite ends of said plungers being pivotally connected to said pivot post, means for delivering fluid to said cylinders to cause one of said pistons to ladvance more rapidly than the other, whereby said-pivot post is moved longi-l tudinally and concomitantly rotated, valve means for shifting the direction of flow of duidv between opposite ends of said cylinders, means forshifting the flow of fluid between said cylinders to cause eitherV of said pistons to advance more rapidly than the other, means for automatically shifting said valve means, and means for automatically shifting said last mentioned fluid shiftl means for controlling the now of current to said motor but in a reverse direction, switchmeans actuated by oneof the `side doors ofthe hearse for establishing a power circuit, 4switch means actuated simultaneously with said first mentioned switch means for establishing a selected electric circuit fory said electrically operated valve,l switch means for energizing one of said relay means, and switch means actuated by the position of the casket carrying table for deenergizing said energized relay means.

20. A, system for controlling the actuation of a hydraulically actuated casket carrying table for a side delivery hearse including a reversible electric motor, relay means for controlling the direction of flow of current to said motor, a second relay means for controlling the ilow of current to said motor but in a reverse direction, individual switch means for actuating said relay means, switch means responsive to the extended or retracted positions of the casket carrying table for deenergizing said relay means. and switch means actuated by the closingof the side entry doors of the hearse for completely deenergizing the electrical control circuit.

21. A system for controlling the actuation of a hydraulically actuated casket carrying table for a side delivery hearse including a reversible electric motor, relay means for controlling the direction of flow of current to said motor, a second relay means for controlling the now of current to said motor but in a reverse direction, and solenoid means energized by the closing of switch means upon opening of one of the side entry doors of the hearse for controlling the hydraulic actuating mechanism to select the side exit through which the table of the hearse will be extended.

MELVIN A. CROSBY.

DAVID E. BENCH. 

